Mouflons claim convincing win in Gibraltar (v)

Cyprus got their Rugby Europe Men’s Conference campaign off to a strongstart with a convincing 17-48 victory over Gibraltar at Europa Point Stadiumon Saturday, scoring eight tries in an impressive away performance. The match was a historic occasion for the hosts, marking Gibraltar’s firstcompetitive XV international. However, Cyprus quickly demonstrated theirattacking threat, using their pace, physicality and strength in the scrum totake control of the contest. Cyprus Take Control in the First Half Cyprus made an early breakthrough with blindside flanker PantelisStylianou crossing for the opening try and Mihali Joannou adding theconversion to establish a 0-7 lead. Gibraltar responded with a successfulpenalty, scoring their first-ever competitive points to make it 3-7, but thevisitors soon regained control. Another try by Stylianou extended Cyprus’ advantage before further scores,including a penalty try, saw them pull clear. By the 35th minute Gibraltarwere down to 13 men and Cyprus had built a commanding 3-33 lead,capitalising on their attacking opportunities and putting the home defenceunder sustained pressure. Gibraltar continued to compete and were rewarded just before half time,scoring their first try in an official competitive international by the hands ofsecond row Lewis Honey. With the conversion successful, the teams wentinto the break with Cyprus leading 10-33. Visitors Maintain Their Advantage Cyprus continued where they had left off after the restart, adding anothertry following a scrum close to the Gibraltar line to extend their lead to 10-38. The hosts showed determination to get back into the game, but Cyprusremained dangerous in possession and continued to find ways through thedefence. Another try took the visitors to 10-43 as they maintained theiradvantage. Gibraltar refused to give up and crossed for a second try, converting tobring the score to 17-43. Cyprus had the final say, however, adding a latetry to complete the scoring at 17-48. A Positive Start for Cyprus The result gives Cyprus an encouraging start to their 2026/27 Rugby EuropeMen’s Conference campaign and puts them at the top of Pool D ahead ofIsrael, Andorra and Gibraltar. Eight tries and a strong attacking displayprovided a solid foundation for the season ahead, while the team’s abilityto turn pressure into points proved decisive. Pantelis Stylianou was namedMan of the Match by the commentators following his standoutperformance. Credit is also due to Gibraltar, who marked a significant milestone for theirnational team by competing in their first official Rugby Europe XVinternational and scoring twice against the visitors. Cyprus will now turn their attention to their next Conference fixture, whenthey host Israel on 3 April 2027. Cyprus tries: Pantelis Stylianou (6′, 21′), penalty try (28′), Ben Yarrow (30′),Mihali Joannou (33′), Joseph Ridgewell (52′), Alex Thompson (65′), AaronBeyzade (88′). Conversions: Mihali Joannou (7′, 31′, 34′). Click here to watch the replay on Rugby Europe TV.